Recent actions by federal agencies will shape return-to-work policies

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued public-health recommendations for fully vaccinated people that dramatically alter the landscape in a country that’s been struggling with pandemic for nearly a year and a half.

Now, according to the CDC, fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. They can also resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel, among other relaxed restrictions.

The CDC’s move obviously applies to the workplace, where organizations everywhere are planning return-to-work strategies. The agency charged with protecting workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, acknowledged the CDC’s recommendations in a statement on its COVID-19 page, noting that it is “reviewing the recent CDC guidance and will update our materials on this website accordingly.”

CDC’s updated guidelines for fully vaccinated people.